June 2025

Your support makes our mission to build confidence in children and youth with special needs possible. If you can, please consider donating.

Hello April,

Challenge Air closed out our spring/summer flying season with an incredible Fly Day in Spokane, Washington—our biggest one yet! Thanks to the tireless efforts of John Sessions, Gary Guenther, and the dedicated volunteers from the Central Spokane Lions Club and Northwest Flight, we were able to fly a record-breaking 101 VIPs, surpassing last year’s total of 77. It was a day full of smiles, courage, and unforgettable memories. Be sure to check out the recap video below to see the magic in action.

As we wrap up the summer season, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make such a meaningful impact in the lives of these amazing children and their families.



Check out our website to see our upcoming events. And don't forget, you can always get a group of friends together and host a Fly Day in your city! Just check out the video on " how to host a fly day"

All the best,

April Culver

CEO/ Executive Director

Celebrating the First Half

of 2025 with Challenge Air

Upcoming Fall Fly Day Events

Pilots, families, and volunteers, get ready to take off for incredible days filled with fun, friendship, and flight. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement—sign up now and join us for an unforgettable experience!

Our recent Spokane Fly Day was filled with pure joy, endless high-fives, and unforgettable moments as our incredible VIP Co-Pilots took flight! From the red carpet welcome to lift-off, the day was packed with heart, excitement, and inspiration—and we’ve got the photos to prove it. ✈️✨

🎥 Watch the video below to catch the highlights, and don’t miss even more fun behind-the-scenes clips on our social media.

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers, generous sponsors, dedicated pilots, and supportive families who made this day so special. Together, we gave kids wings! 💙

Challenge Air Partners with Ronald McDonald House for Spokane Fly Day Event

We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership that’s close to our hearts: Ronald McDonald House Charities and Challenge Air have joined forces in Spokane, WA.💫

This partnership is about more than flying—it’s about creating unforgettable moments of confidence, courage, and joy. Families supported by Ronald McDonald House often carry heavy emotional and financial burdens.

Together, we’re giving them a break from hospital rooms and tough days—replacing them, even if just for a moment, with fresh air, open skies, and a sense of limitless possibility.

"It was so moving to me": Pilot Kyle Shares Heartwarming Story from Challenge Air Fly Day

Pilot Kyle thought it would be a day like any other—until one unforgettable moment in the cockpit. 💙 You won’t believe what happened next. Watch the video to hear his story.

Rotary District 5810 Governor’s Spouse

Charity Project

What’s New for the Rotary 2025-2026 Term

Seven years ago, the Incoming District Governor, Mary Bedosky, faced a life-changing loss when she became a widow. Since then, she’s embraced a new chapter, sharing her home with her incredible 93-year-old mother, Helen Ryan, a lifelong caregiver and retired nurse with a passion for adventure. Beyond her years of dedication to helping others, she also took to the skies as an instrument-rated pilot and flew fourteen different aircraft. She was also a proud member of the Ninety-Nines, the prestigious international organization of women pilots founded by Amelia Earhart.

Fueled by her lifelong love of aviation and a heart full of compassion for children, the Governor’s mother has chosen Challenge Air as the signature Charity Project for Rotary District 5810 during her daughter’s term as District Governor. This thrilling partnership means every time the Governor visits one of the district’s 60 Rotary Clubs, members will have the opportunity to support this incredible cause. Together, these clubs will help Challenge Air take flight—giving children with special needs, the unforgettable experience of soaring through the skies!